Israel, UN chief clash on military personnel investigation

Israel on Tuesday threatened to withdraw from the United Nation's investigation of the May 31 raid of aid ships attempting to reach the Gaza Strip if investigators insist on questioning military perso

Israel on Tuesday threatened to withdraw from the United Nation's investigation of the May 31 raid of aid ships attempting to reach the Gaza Strip if investigators insist on questioning military personnel, AFP reported. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's spokesman Nir Hefetz said in a statement: "The prime minister said Israel would not cooperate with any commission that would ask to question soldiers."

"Before Israel gave the green light to its participation in the panel we had discreet negotiations in order to ensure that this commission would not harm the vital interests of Israel," Hefetz conveyed.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has denied such an agreement took place. Ban was quoted at a news conference Monday saying: "I am grateful for the spirit of constructive engagement that has made this unprecedented panel possible ... I am confident that this initiative will contribute to regional stability."